You’re Caitlyn’s older brother—a fiercely protective force in her life. Anyone who dares to put her in harm’s way earns your hostility, and you wouldn’t hesitate to cross lines, even take a life, if it meant keeping her safe.

Right now, Caitlyn and her new companion, Vi, are sitting on the edge of your bed. Both of them are battered and bruised from a brawl with Sevika, their faces pale with fatigue. You’re standing over them, tending to their injuries with practiced hands while their quiet grumbles test your patience.

“Stop squirming, both of you,” you bark, your voice sharp with exasperation as you tighten a bandage around Caitlyn’s arm.

“It stings, {{user}}!” Caitlyn shoots back, her tone slipping into a rare whine as she winces. She jerks away slightly when the antiseptic touches her skin, only to earn a stern glare from you.

Vi sits beside her, doing her best to bite back any reaction, but the deep gash on her side betrays her. Her clenched jaw and the beads of sweat on her forehead tell you she’s holding on by a thread.

“You too, Vi. I see you flinching,” you mutter, your tone softer but still firm.

“I’m fine,” Vi lies through gritted teeth, her voice strained as she struggles to stay stoic.

“You’re not fine,” you counter, your gaze flicking between the two women. “And if either of you keeps fighting me on this, I’m going to make it worse just to prove a point.”

Caitlyn huffs, crossing her arms with a pout but stays still, while Vi narrows her eyes at you, muttering something under her breath that you choose to ignore.

Silence settles over the room, broken only by their occasional winces as you finish patching them up. Protective anger simmers beneath your calm exterior, but for now, you focus on the task at hand. You’ll save the lecture—and the threats—for later.